Agape-September Edition by agape magazine

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CONTENTS Page2. EDITORS NOTE Page3. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH

Page4-5. HERITAGE MONTH

Page6. WORD THERAPY

Page12-14. NEWS FEED

Page15. SELF CARE Page16. FASHION

Page7-9. COVER FEATURE Page10. TESTIMONY CORNER

Page11. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the third edition of "AGAPE”, where we talk about

everything Christian.

AGAPE is a Greek word that means God's love. We continue to express his love through thought-provoking articles, exclusive interviews, news, testimonies and so much more. At some point, if not often we ask ourselves the following question; “ What is my purpose in life?” The answer to this question is found in the word of God. John 15: 16 KJV says: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” Our purpose is found in the creator of the heavens and the earth. He gives us direction and he has his power over our lives (Job 12:10). We were made by God for God. Life will not make sense until we believe this truth. I dedicate this special prayer to you ”Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."(Hebrews 13:20-21).

Stay Blessed & Stay Winning!

Audrey Tshabalala

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH

By Audrey Tshabalala

It is imperative to know God's will and

purpose for the church. When we say that the future of the church is glorious, we affirm that the same is true in the present. The current state of the church is exactly what God said on 1 Timothy 3:15 KJV " ...The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." The present church is Christ's body (1 Corinthians 3:16-17), and a place for chosen people, a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Regardless of the challenges that the church faces God says; “…upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Matthew 16:18 KJV. The church was created to reveal God's Glory and wisdom. The Apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 3:10 AMP "so that God’s multifaceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.” God kept his wisdom as a marvellous mystery for centuries, and he has revealed it through the church. The Agape that God has for the church has left every being in the universe speechless. Let our hearts be filled with gratitude, humility, and a profound sensation of admiration because we are privileged to be part of God's divine plan. It is a true honour to be part of the church. Glory to God in the church today, and for all of eternity! 3

HERITAGE DAY

HERITAGE MONTH

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HERITAGE? –

By Audrey Tshabalala

Written by Audrey Tshabalala

eritage Day is a South

African national holiday that is celebrated every year on the 24th of September. The day commemorates South Africa's racial diversity and multicultural landscape. The day was formally recognised 2 years in the country's democracy by the late former State President Nelson Mandela when he said: “Our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days. We did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.” The Biblical History Behind Heritage Heritage dates back to the Old Testament when God gave Abraham the land of Canaan and promised him that his descendants will occupy the land forever (Genesis 17:8).

PICTURE FROM: PEAKS OF AFRICA

Abraham passed this heritage to his son Isaac, Isaac passed it on to Jacob, and Jacob gave it to the nation of Israel. Although the nation of Israel left Canaan for Egypt, God had to guide them back to their heritage after 400 years (Joshua 1:6). The bible goes on to say that children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3 AMP). God entrusts parents with children so that they train them to know him and honour him as their heritage (Psalm 139:13–16 & Deuteronomy 6:1–9). Proverbs 13:22 KJV says “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”. The True Heritage Our earthly heritage is a wonderful gift that gives us a form of identity; however, it is temporary. The Bible urges us to set our eyes on our eternal heritage (Matthew 6:19 & Colossians 3:1–4). We are temporary residents and foreigners to this world (1 Peter 2:11).

We should all live for a heritage that is spiritual and eternal. Romans 8:17 tells us that those who trust in Christ alone for salvation are made joint-heirs with Him. When you get born again, eternal life becomes your heritage (John 3:16–18). You gain citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). He provides the ability and opportunity to invest our lives for Him, then rewards us for doing so. “Those who are victorious will inherit all this [the New Jerusalem and its blessings], and I will be their God and they will be my children” - Revelation 21:7 KJV. We do everything in light of our great heritage, Colossians 3:23–24 GNB says; “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” "The true inheritance is kept in heaven for us"- 1 Peter 1:4 KJV.

WORD THERAPY “DISCERNMENT”

By Audrey Tshabalala

iscernment means distinguishing between right from wrong, the primary from

secondary, the essential from the indifferent, and the permanent from the transient. In other words, it means distinguishing between good, better, and best. Discernment is a sixth sense which is a special gift from God's Grace (1 Corinthians 12:10), and it needs to be constantly nourished. That is why the Psalmist said this prayer; “Teach me good judgment and knowledge” - Psalm 119:66 KJV. This gift gives one the ability to make positive judgments, to distinguish, and recognise the moral implications of different situations and courses of action. It also gives ability PICTUREone FROM:the PEAKS OF AFRICA to assess the moral and spiritual status of individuals, groups, and even organisations. He urges us to be discerning, lest we cast our pearls before pigs (Matthew 7:1,6). A remarkable example of such discernment is described in John 2:24-25 NIV - "Jesus would not entrust himself to them...for he knew what was in a man”. Discernment is being able to see things explicitly open and exposed –Hebrews 4:13 AMP. The children of God are called to grow unto maturity in the things of God (Ephesians 4:13). This admonition is not just for a specific class of Christians but for every child of God. The ability to discern is evidence of spiritual maturity because it allows one to walk in God’s perfect will. In most times God’s signs do not manifest in natural feelings. The things of God don’t usually appeal to the natural senses, for they are spiritually discerned: “But the natural man receiveth, not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" - 1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV. Therefore, the only way to activate discernment (spiritual senses) is through knowing the word and being acquainted with God’s Spirit. Galatians 5:16 KJV says; “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Walking in the Spirit means walking in the light of God’s Word, being able to discern and withstanding natural senses. Praying consistently in tongues is also equally very important as it keeps your spirit attuned and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Direction and guidance come through discernment.

COVER FEATURE

FROM IDOLS AUDITION TO NO.1 SINGLE ON ITUNES UP-CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH “MY YOKI YOKI” HITMAKER

VHUDIE 1

COVER FEATURE

HOW DO YOU

WHO IS VHUDIE AND WHERE IS HE FROM?

My name is Vhudihawe Mamphwe, I'm from Limpopo Thohoyandou Mulenzhe village.

WHAT IS YOUR MUSIC STYLE?

Afro pop and Gospel.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY

My music journey started when I was in Grade 5. I started playing drums, and I realised that I can sing when I was in Grade 6. Then I became part of the church and school choir.

WHERE DO YOU GATHER YOUR INSPIRATION? Love and life.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR IDOLS EXPERIENCE

My Idols experience was amazing! I met a lot of people who I dreamt of meeting (Judges and ProVerb).

WHAT DOES “YOKI YOKI”

MEAN AND WHAT IS THIS HIT SINGLE ABOUT? Yoki Yoki comes from the word “Yonkinto” meaning my everything.

DID YOU EXPECT THE

NURTURE YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY?

Yes, I did but not this much. I thank God for everything that's happening.

WHAT DOES GOD

POSITIVE RECEPTION YOU GOT FROM THE COUNTRY?

HOW ARE YOU

HANDLING THE GROWING FAME AND SUCCESS?

By humbling myself and being good to everyone.

I read and listen to the word of God.

MEAN TO YOU?

Everything because I'm nothing without him.

WHAT WORD OF

ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE THAT IS GOING THROUGH A DIFFICCULT TIME?

Give your life to Jesus and always trust in Him. Tell him what you want, He is always listening

WHAT IS YOUR

FAVOURITE SCRIPTURE IN THE BIBLE? Not by might, not by power but by the Spirit says the Lord Almighty (Zacharia 4:6).

WHAT DID

YOU LEARN FROM THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC?

We have our own plans but God makes the final decision.

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS?

Always include God in everything, because the music industry is not easy, you need God to fight for you.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER?

People can expect 4 singles before I drop a full album. “My Yoki Yoki” music video is also coming out soon.

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO YOUR FANS

I love you guys so much and I really appreciate the love you are showing me. I wish I had superpowers to respond to all the congratulatory messages I have been receiving.

STREAM/BUY ”MY YOKI YOKI” By VHUDIE ON ALL ONLINE MUSIC PLATFROMS

QUICK FUN FACTS ABOUT VHUDIE

CORRECT ANSWERS IN BOLD

Tea or Coffee Money or Fame Wisdom or Talent Gospel or Hip Hop Unathi or Somizi Movies or Concerts Indoors or Outdoors Winter or Summer Magazines or Books

FOR BOOKINGS bookvhudie@gmail.com CALL: 079 427 0059 WHATSAPP: 081 885 0069

TESTIMONY

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” -Revelations 12:11 KJV

BLESSED IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the whole globe negatively. Most people lost their jobs, businesses, homes, and loved ones. However, my story is different because my supply comes from God Almighty. The year 2020 has been one of my best years because God has shown himself in different forms and blessed me amid the pandemic. His blessing reminded me of a scripture from Job 22:29 KJV - “When men are cast down, then you shall say, There is lifting up." This is what the Lord has done for me: 1. I received Funding to commence a construction project I started back in 2018. I could not start the project back then due to lack of funding but the Lord provided, and now it's almost complete. 2. The Lord also directed me to another profitable business. 3. On the 23rd of July, I received news from my employer notifying me that I have been promoted. I didn't expect this promotion, but the Lord still blessed me. Indeed, God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, and above all our requests and thoughts. Adebola Olubunmi Odusola - Nigeria

CORNER

SEVERE MIGRAINES TO DIVINE HEALTH

Most of my childhood was not filled with joy and laughter. This is because I experienced severe migraines which prevented me from playing, studying and my enjoying life. My parents took me to several medical specialists, but they could not find a solution. I told myself that I have to learn to live with the sickness. I decided to start attending a local church in my early teenage years. One day, the Pastor was preaching and a prophetic revelation came upon him. He said, "The is a young man in this congregation who is suffering from severe headaches. The Lord says you don't have to live with this sickness." He made a call for the sick young man to come forward. I knew he was talking to me but I was not sure because I suffered for many years. He made the call again, and I found myself in front of the altar. He laid his hands upon me and declared that the sickness has departed from my body. I have never experienced severe migraines nor any other form of headaches from that day on. I was 14 years old when I got healed, I am almost 30 years old now, I don't even remember how a headache feels like. We go through challenges so that our trials can turn into testimonies. The Lord is indeed a healer. Bheki- South Africa

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

By Audrey Tshabalala

–

Written by Audrey Tshabalala

PICTURE FROM: PEAKS OF AFRICA

HAPPINESS OR JOY? he late Elis M. Boulding, a renowned

sociologist, and author credited for contributing to the academic discipline of Peace and Conflict Studies once said, “The real difference between happiness and joy is that one is grounded in this world, the other in eternity. Happiness cannot encompass suffering and evil, but joy can. Happiness depends on the present. Joy leaps into the future and triumphantly creates a new present out of it.” Happiness is an emotional feeling which is characterized by contentment and satisfaction with the current situation. This means that bad news can take away happiness in an instant. Joy, on the other hand, is a feeling that is acquired through the expectation of something great. Joy can also be described as exhilaration, delight, sheer gladness from great success, or an experience such as getting married or getting a dream job. Negative energy can't steal away joy.

Joy can be experienced even when dreadful situations arise. This means that it is not dependent on circumstances. The Lord says "...Count it all joy when you go through divers tests" - James 1:2 KJV. Happiness is dependent on external factors, but joy is experienced internally Most people relentlessly seek happiness through temporary measures, but it might prove too difficult to obtain joy. For example, one might acquire happiness through going out every night with a group of friends but this does not mean that they will obtain joy. They might be happy for that moment but when they are alone, they might lose that happiness. The word of God regards joy as one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and as "complete" happiness. Therefore let us seek our joy in the Lord and his word. 1 Peter 1:25 KJV says; " But the word of the Lord endureth forever...".

NEWS FEED

By Audrey Tshabalala

HISTORIC PEACE ACORD SIGNED BETWEEN ISRAEL, UAE & BAHRAIN AT THE WHITE HOUSE

S President Donald J. Trump presided over the signing of a Middle East peace agreement

between Israel, The United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain on Tuesday, 15 September 2020. Below are some of the highlights of the peace deal: • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain have signed agreements to normalise relations with Israel in a strategic realignment of Middle Eastern countries against Iran. • President Trump says the agreement will form the basis for a broader alignment against Iran • The deals make them the third and fourth Arab states to take such steps to normalise ties since Israel signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. • The people of the Middle East will no longer allow hatred of Israel to be fomented as an excuse for radicalism or extremism. • This peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states and ultimately end the ArabIsraeli conflict once and for all. • Bringing Israel, The UAE, and Bahrain together may be their shared concern about Iran's rising influence in the region and development of ballistic missiles. Iran has been critical in both deals. Fellow Gulf state Qatar has ruled out normalising ties with Israel until the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is resolved. Is this one of the signs that confirm rapture is closer than ever? Well, this shouldn’t be a surprise because everything is recorded in the Word. The current events are the manifestation of the scripture. We need to continue to prepare for the coming of the Lord by walking in love and fulfilling our God-given purpose SOURCE: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-israel-u-a-e-bahrain-sign-peace-accord-11600191303

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-54168120

News Feed

WE ARE EQUAL IN CHRIST

Clicks faced public backlash after they published a TRESemmé marketing campaign that depicted the hair of women of colour as 'dry damaged, 'frizzy, and dull" compared to the hair of white women which was regarded as 'normal hair'. The insensitive campaign went viral for all wrong reasons. Opinion leaders and political parties took it upon themselves to force Clicks to shut its doors.

#ClicksMustFall trended on most social media platforms for almost a week, and the public wanted the executives who approved the campaign to be fired amongst other demands. Clicks released a public apology, they removed TRESemmé products from their shelves, and they ensured that everyone involved in the campaign faced disciplinary action. The are several scriptures that show that we are all equal in Christ regardless of our race. Here are some of the scriptures: Galatians 3:28 KJV “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Acts 10:34-35 KJV “God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Colossians 3:11 KJV “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”

News Feed

SOUTH AFRICA MOVES TO ALERT LEVEL 1

South Africa has been on lockdown since March to curb the spread of the Coronavirus disease. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on 16 September to announce that the country will move into alert level 1. This will ease restrictions on several economic and recreational activities allowing normal operations to resume. The President urged all South Africans to observe necessary safety measures to ensure that the country does not experience the second Coronavirus wave.

To temporarily control entry into South Africa from countries outside the African continent, the relevant cabinet members shall, after consultation with the cabinet member responsible for health, determine in directions: Criteria for controlling entry into the Republic, from such countries with a high Covid19 infection and transmission rate; The list of such countries with a high Covid-19 infection and transmission rate, which list may, from time to time, be amended.

RE-OPENING OF BOARDERS From 1 October 2020, all travellers from the African continent and from countries outside the African continent with a low rate of Covid-19 infection and transmission, will resume.

International travel from countries listed as having a high Covid-19 infection and transmission rate, will remain prohibited except for business travel which may be allowed with the approval of the Cabinet member responsible for home affairs.

This will be subject to: The traveller providing a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel; and In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveller will be required to quarantine at his or her own costs.

All commercial seaports will be opened but international air travel is restricted to the following airports: OR Tambo International Airport; King Shaka International Airport; and Cape Town International Airport.

CHURCH GATHERINGS Gatherings at faith-based institutions are limited to 250 persons or less in case of an indoor gathering and 500 persons or less in case of an outdoor gathering; • Every person, when attending a gathering, and in order to limit exposure to Covid-19, must: • Wear a face mask; • Adhere to all health protocols; • Maintain a distance of least one and a half metres from each other; and • Adhere to any other health protocols and social distancing measures as provided for in directions issued by the relevant cabinet member after consultation with the cabinet member responsible for health. In addition, an owner or operator of any indoor or outdoor facility where gatherings are held must display the certificate of occupancy which sets out the maximum number of persons the facility may hold.

SOURCE: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/09/16/statement-by-president-cyril-ramaphosa-on-progress-in-the-

national-effort-to-contain-the-covid-19-pandemic-3/

SELF CARE

By Audrey Tshabalala

PLAIN OR INFUSED WATER? Drinking water regularly is crucial for our well-being, but most people don't find it important because they substitute water with tastier beverages. Water does not only keep us hydrated, but it allows the body to flush out toxins, maintain hormone balance, support brain function, and many other benefits. Did you know that every cell requires water to function efficiently? If the body does not have enough water it starts shutting down. Urine is one of the most reliable hydration indicators. Clear or lightyellow urine indicates hydration, and dark yellow urine means you are dehydrated. Medical experts have advised that the best way to keep track of our water intake is to drink eight 8 glasses/2 liters of water per day. The is a public debate regarding drinking plain water VS infused water. Some people find it hard to normalize drinking plain water, and they resort to infused water. Whilst, some regard infused water as an unhealthy drink. Research shows that they both have benefits, and there are tips on how to easily consume both. TIPS FOR DRINKING PLAIN WATER • Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. • Always carry a dedicated bottle or container. • Set a reminder on your phone or download a mobile app that tracks your water intake. • Always choose water over other beverages when out for lunch/dinner or when getting fast food. • Have a glass of water before every meal.

TIPS FOR MAKING HEALTHY INFUSED WATER • Buy organic ingredients to avoid pesticides and other chemicals. • Use glass pitchers over plastic. If it's plastic it must be BPA free. • Use cold or room temperature water. Make sure it’s filtered. • Slice hard fruits like apples thinly. Softer fruits can be sliced more thickly. • Use a muddler or spoon to crush fibrous herbs like ginger and rosemary. • If your pitcher doesn’t have a built-in strainer, use a tea infuser to control herb leaves and flowers. • Infuse the water with the ingredients. • Store the infusion in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. • Infusion time will vary based on ingredients. Cucumbers, citrus, melons, and mint provide instant flavor. Other fruits and herbs will require overnight infusion. • Drain the solids out after 24 hours. • You can consume and enjoy the infused water for 3 days. Most of the nutrients will stay in the fruit, so get the most for your buck by using the drained fruit to make smoothies when you’re done infusing.

INFUSED LEMON & LIME WATER RECIPE Ingredients for a pitcher: • 1 Lemon • 3 Limes • Cold or room temperature filtered water Instructions: 1. Slice the lime and lemon. 2. Put the fruits in the pitcher with water. 3. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 4. Enjoy immediately or; 5. Remove the fruits after 4 hours.

MAXHOSA BY LADUMA

Fashion

SHOWCASE AT THE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 2020 By Audrey Tshabalala Laduma Ngxokolo is one of Africa's finest knitwear designer & innovator of the Xhosa inspired brand MAXHOSA BY LADUMA. He showcased his Spring/Summer 2021 collection at the New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, the 16th of September 2020. The virtual showcase was opened by the beautiful Unathi Nkayi, followed by a graceful rendition of a song written by Mr. Mike Ngxokolo who is Laduma’s late grandfather. The song was titled ‘"Ingumangaliso Imisebenzi KaThixo" and it means “God’s work is so wonderful that we don’t even acknowledge how powerful it is." Wellknown celebrities such as rapper Riky Rick, award-winning actor Warren Masemola, and socialite Maps Maponyane also came out on the runway to demonstrate the African pride in happy colors. Laduma expressed the following words regarding the craft that went into preparing for New York Fashion Week: “During the lockdown, in the midst of sadness, I felt like it’s very important to give people hope with my craft. I love color and wanted to showcase happiness, so people would feel excited about summer and show that happiness is the new luxury.” Catch the Repeat of the MAXHOSA BY LADUMA Spring/Summer 2021 collection at the New York Fashion Week on https://maxhosa.africa/ Proverbs 16:3 KJV says “Commit to the Lord what ever you do and your plans will succeed”. Laduma committed his craft to the Lord and he is a testimony that indeed God works in miraculous ways.

PICTURES FROM: ESSENCE.COM

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IF YOU ARE NOT BORN AGAIN…

WE INVITE YOU TO MAKE JESUS CHRIST THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE BY PRAYING THIS SIMPLE PRAYER NOW! “O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 KJV

LOOK OUT FOR THE FOURTH EDITION COMING SOON! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT PREVIOUS ISSUES